Relational descriptors for retrieving design features in a B-rep model using the similarity-based retrieval approach

Design features refer to local shapes or regions within a part that perform specific functions such as fastening and force transmission. These design features must be identified from product design results to conduct design verification, manufacturing evaluation, and process planning. Design features are formed by combining various form features, which poses a challenge when using existing methods to retrieve individual features. Therefore, this study introduced a relational descriptor that describes the relational characteristics between topological elements to retrieve design features in boundary representation (B-rep) models. In addition, a method to retrieve design features by combining the relational descriptor with shape descriptors was proposed. Experiments were performed to identify specific design features to validate the proposed method. The experimental results successfully retrieved all the design features included in the B-rep model.